Wellman receives grant for trail project

Wellman received a $36,736 matching grant October 15 from the Resoruce Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program to install a 10-foot wide walking trail from the North Park to the Wellman Elementary School.

Bids will be taken in the spring and will involve concrete or asphalt. The city's match will come from the municipal allocation provided by the Washington County Riverboat Foundation (WCRF).

The trial will wind around the band shell and also will see the planting of 14 native species of trees including honey locust, hackberry and sugar maples.

The trail will be ADA compliant and fully handicapped accessible, said city officials.

Eventually, the trail could be part of the county system of trails. “It is one of the first steps in that process,” said City Administrator Dave Ross, “We have been working for eight to ten years to get this trail system started.”

The trail will be 1,090 feet and the city is coordinating efforts with the Mid-Prairie School District “over the next couple of months as we continue work on this project.”

Broad-based support for the project came from the engineer who helped prepare the county's master trail plan, the Wellman Community Club, the Mid-Priarie District, the Washington County Board of Supervisors, the YMCA, the city and local landowners who provided easements.

Ross also expressed appreciation to the Buckwalters for their support of the trail.